Wendell Wheeler

Wendell Ellis Wheeler, 79, of Rio Vista passed away peacefully to be with his Savior in his eternal home on October 22, 2020.

Wendell graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1965 and went on to be a dedicated educator for 27 years  in the schools.  of Harlan County.  He was a coach and mentor appreciated by many young people during his years in football and basketball.  He was instrumental in helping players obtain scholarships to play college-level sports while advancing their education.  He often said that he loved teaching children how to play the game the "right" way, with sportsmanship and integrity.  He was revered and loved by his former students and had a great impact on the young people he worked with.

Throughout his life there was nothing that could compete with his love for his family.  He was a kind and caring husband to his wife, Margaret, as well as an amazing dad to his daughters, Melissa and Kara.  The only thing he was better at was being Pappy with his 3 grandsons.

Wendell accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized in April 1975. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Loyall, KY.  He was also a proud member of the NRA.  He was a Free Mason with membership in Hampton Lodge # 235 F&AM of Catlettsburg, KY, and Mountain Laurel # 428, Order of the Eastern Star.

Preceding him in death by his parents, Ellis and Leliah Sublett Wheeler, and five siblings, Kenneth, Roy Leon, Dallas "Sed", Hollis Ray and Thomas Ray.  Left behind heartbroken to mourn his death but to rejoice in his reward are his devoted wife, Margaret Lynn;  two adored daughters, Dorothy Melissa (Brent) Carver, Frankfort, KY and Kara Wendellyn (Shannon) Elam, West Liberty, KY;  and the boys, who was the apple of his eyes, his grandchildren, Logan Ellis Carver, Jacob Wyatt Elam and Jackson Wheeler Elam.  His sisters, Betsy (Jon) Skaggs, Alice Hersman, and Ruth Ann (Thomas) Erwin, also survive and will miss their older brother greatly.  He loved and was loved by a large number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who also survive.

In accordance with the families wishes, a memorial service will be planned for a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of his memory can be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, P.O..  Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438-4510, or at
www.lovetotherescue.org

Please feel free to leave a condolence, memory or photo at www.aljfh.com

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Wendell Ellis Wheeler.